VICKSBURG — The host Bulldogs used a box-and-one to hold the state’s third leading scorer, Dontel, Highsmith to just 11 points in a 66-50 Wolverine Conference boys basketball victory over Dowagiac Friday night.

Highsmith, averaging better than 32 points per game, finished with only 11 as the Chieftains lost back-to-back games for the first time this season.

Dowagiac (12-5, 10-3 Wolverine) led 18-17 after the opening quarter, but trailed 28-25 at halftime. As Vicksburg continue to apply the defensive pressure on Highsmith, who netted 40 in the first meeting between the two teams, the gap grew.

The Bulldogs (9-8, 7-6 Wolverine) opened up a 47-39 lead heading to the fourth quarter.

Vicksburg outscored the Chieftains 19-11 in the final eight minutes.

Abe Barwegen led all scorers with 21 points for the Bulldogs, who also got 12 points from Drew Mallery and Cody Getsinger, Colin McCaw added 11.

Dowagiac got eight points each from Tyler Clark, Davion Highsmith and Eric Charles.

DOWAGIAC 50

Dontel Highsmith 11, Davion Highsmith 8, Craig Zebell 3, Todd McIntyre 4, Kyle Solloway 2, Gavin Taylor 2, Brendon Murray 4, Tyler Clark 8, Eric Charles 8. TOTALS: 22 2-5 50

VICKSBURG 66

Cody Getsinger 12, Colin McCaw 11, Grant Johnson 4, Ben Spieldenner 4, Abe Barwegen 21, Jesser Boulnemour 2, Drew Mallery 12. TOTALS: 24 17-18 66

Dowagiac 18 25 39 50

Vicksburg 17 28 47 66

3-point baskets: Dowagiac 4 (Da. Highsmith 2, Clark 2), Vicksburg 1 (McCaw). Varsity record: Dowagiac 12-5, 10-3 Wolverine, Vicksburg 9-8, 7-6 Wolverine